The Washington Post reported the running back was released Friday, part of the Redskins' push to cut their roster to 53 players by the 9 p.m. ET deadline. The team later confirmed that Hightower had been released.

Hightower was envisioned as the Redskins' potential starter entering camp, but he has been slow to come back from reconstructive knee surgery.

Hightower appeared in only one preseason game, gaining 28 yards on five carries against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. The emergence of sixth-round draft pick Alfred Morris helped make Hightower expendable.